SVP of Operations (Underground Utility)

Senior Vice President of Operations

Location: CaliforniaRequired: Ability to be onsite in Irvine, CA approximately 3 times per monthCompensation: $320,000 - $350,000 Base Salary + Bonus + Potential EquityAbout the OpportunityOur client, a leading utility infrastructure and construction organization, is seeking a Senior Vice President of Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership across Northern and Southern California.

This executive role is accountable for business performance, operational execution, financial results, safety, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth.The ideal candidate will bring significant experience within underground utility, pipeline, gas distribution, water/sewer, fiber, or directional drilling construction operations and have a proven track record leading large-scale construction organizations.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDrive profitable growth through disciplined project execution and customer-focused delivery.Develop and execute short and long-term business strategies.Support business development initiatives, partnerships, and growth opportunities.Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development.Foster a culture of safety, accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.Operational ManagementProvide executive oversight of large-scale utility construction operations.Establish strategic priorities and hold operational leaders accountable for results.Build and maintain strong relationships with employees, customers, construction partners, and key stakeholders.Utilize KPIs and performance metrics to drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, efficiency, and profitability.Oversee estimating, bidding, planning, project execution, and risk management activities.Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contractual obligations.Financial LeadershipManage annual budgets, capital plans, and long-term forecasts.Lead a business with $200M+ P&L responsibility.Drive operational efficiency while maintaining safety, quality, and customer service standards.Partner with executive leadership and finance teams to achieve growth and profitability objectives.QualificationsRequired Experience12+ years of progressive leadership experience within the construction industry.5+ years in an executive-level operations leadership role.Proven success managing large-scale construction operations and capital programs.Experience leading organizations with $200M+ P&L responsibility.Strong background in leadership development, operational improvement, and strategic planning.Preferred Industry BackgroundUnderground utility constructionPipeline constructionGas transmission and distributionDirectional drillingWater and sewer infrastructureFiber infrastructure constructionUtility services and public works environmentsEducationBachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.Key SkillsConstruction Operations LeadershipP&L ManagementStrategic PlanningBudgeting & ForecastingEstimating & Project ControlsRisk ManagementContract ManagementLeadership DevelopmentRegulatory ComplianceSafety LeadershipOperational ExcellenceCompensation & BenefitsBase Salary: $320,000 - $350,000Discretionary BonusPotential Equity Opportunity for Exceptional CandidatesExecutive Leadership Visibility and ImpactOpportunity to lead major utility infrastructure operations throughout CaliforniaLocation Requirements: Candidates may reside anywhere in California; however, the selected executive must be available to travel and be onsite in Irvine, CA approximately three times per month. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, or military or veteran status. We consider all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws, including the California Fair Chance Act, City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.